Fashion Hints for Islands Women

By Therese

medieval influence has spread to ■ day clothes —broad shoulders, waspish waists. and deep ruffs are excitingly adapted for modern needs.

Tunics are important. They burst upon us with all their old charm plus variety of design—Cossack, with high buttoned neckline and tunic flaring to the knee; straight and Chinese; smocked and peasant-looking—all topping slim skirts.

Pleats of every variety, from the fine pin pleating to the bolder accordeon, are the dernier cri for day and evening.

Sunlit days lend added appeal to linens and cottons, gaily and quaintly patterned in flower and animal designs.

Even the humble vegetable has not been forgotten and finds an exalted place in the printed materials’ scheme of things.

Delicious little smocked confections of dimity, voile, and flowered piques, are gay and unpretentious, and delightful possessions for tropic dwellers, as are the sleeveless frocks with contrasting cape or coat. A spotted sleeveless frock with yoke of contrast, is topped by a spotted coat with contrasting revers. A white panama hat and two tone shoes tell a tale of chic and coolness.

A free-swinging hip length cape throws itself over a spotted blouse. The slim brief skirt is kick pleated in front.

A light weight woollen ensemble to wear when nearing cooler climes, is of navy wool georgette, undeniably chic with its straight skirt flaring slightly at

the hem. Sunray tucks trim its hips and blouse, and white pique flowers nestle at its throat line. Over it goes a deep yoked, swing-back, almost knee length coat of the same material, with tufts of coloured wool scattered over it in most intriguing fashion. Navy hat, gloves, shoes and bag accompany it to perfection.

Another light weight woollen frock boasts a wrap- over skirt, its hips slimly braid ed. The shoulders are braid epauletted, extending in two panels down the bodice.

Sleeves full at shoulder, taper to slimness at the wrist.

Blouses are .numerous and intriguing, presenting themselves the clock round.

They justify their existence threefold — morning, noon, and night. Tailored blouses along Peter Pan, shirt, or waist coat lines are ideal for morning or with tailored suits. Bright colours softly draped, tucked, or pleated, grace after noon hours. For evening they go all feminine —lovely bits of things—laces, chiffons, georgettes, flower-besprinkled or plain. Shirred, pleated, or embroidered, with or without sleeves, they are a de light.

A blue linen blouse made gay with red stitchings and a scarf attached is attractive when worn with a white suit.

Two tone shoes march it on the way to success. This type of shoe absolutely rejuvenates a last season’s frock or skirt and jumper, and looks particularly chic with silk and cotton frocks alike.

“White with any colour you like for

coolness and chic,” is a slogan well worthy of adoption. It gives one a cool, calm air that is enviable.

Sports clothes take a very important place in the scheme of things. Since a touch of colour is permissible for tennis wear, a two coloured belt, red and blue, encircles the waist of a slim frock.

Coloured buttons trim its bodice, and a gay little scarf and coat accompany it for off the court moments.

There are many ways—careless and studied —to wear a scarf. Knotted loosely round the throat; flying gaily in the breeze; cowl effect; sling fashion; and so on, each with a charm all its own.

The ideal tropical golfing attire is the well-cut trouser skirt and short sleeved jacket, with a back pleat to ensure free dom of movement for the perfect swing.

Swimming and idling take on added charm and new meaning 'with the coming of the new beach wear. A swim ensemble has a lace stitch swim suit with sun tan back. A knee length cape swings jauntily over its wicked briefness. High heeled surf shoes and a pert peaked cap are the beginning and ending of the nautical tale.

A beach outfit with shorts and sun top, has a wrapped skirt, and wide belt

finished with a large nautical button.

Sandals and coolie hat accompany it, and a loose coat is donned for more formal occasions.

A play suit in green and white striped gingham with detachable skirt buttoning its brief way to the knees, is the last syllable in provocation.

Night with its thousand eyes winking approval gives us endless choice for fes tive clothes—gowns, slim, svelte, and sophisticated; bouffant and romantic as the night itself; draped and classical as some goddess of ancient Greece or Rome —and each requires the perfect founda tion for the perfect interpretation. This comes in the garment that reduces curves, and moulds the figure with rhythmic con trol, having an all elastic weave, smooth and supple, with never a bone to mar the sleek perfection.

Empire period gowns flatter the figure.

Wing sleeves and jewelled hip line, give glamour to a gown of ice blue satin.

Cape sleeves and a bustle bow are the proud possessions of a gold threaded fuchsia taffeta frock with deep V-decol letage. A flower in the hair and romance steps abroad.

A Chinese red evening gown spotted with gold, has a hip length tunic, with sleeves, tunic, and skirt hem outlined wuth Grecian scroll in gold.

Simple but distinctive is that yeoman of the wardrobe, the black frock, plain and well cut. It offers great scope for lightning changes. A draped cummer bund of brilliant colour makes it gay and exciting. Add a lame dinner jacket, and chic and sophistication are yours.

A taffeta dance frock with a low cut strapless bodice veiled provocatively with tulle has slim hips and flaunting skirt.

Rhythmic loveliness marks its gracious movements.

Evening wraps are things of beauty and joys for ever. A coat gay as a floral festival, flares out ballerina-fashion to the knees emphasising the pencil slim skirt beneath. A heavy crepe jacket of lovely tea-rose swings out over a black crepe frock. A burst of pleats metamor phoses into a three-quarter coat — feminine and alluring over a softly fall ing chiffon gown.

Tiers of white organdie edged with rick-rack braid, reminiscent of childhood days, go to the making of a cape that is utterly cool and completely charming,

with its immaculate freshness. It is the direct answer to the tropical call for a light weight wrap.

Flowers retain their charm and popu larity. Bouquets tuck into the waist; single blooms adorn the lapel of the tailored suit; coronets, a whole galaxy of blossoms, or single flowers adorn the hair. Newer, however, and much more intriguing and sophisticated is the Geisha lacquered comb with matching fan. It is perfection itself for the brunette of poise and assurance.

Shoes for evenings are delightful, the sandal type being quite unrivalled. They appear successfully for day, along with the court, which justly deserves its popu larity. Two tone shoes are full of chic and look unbelievably cool—a virtue for tropical wear that must not be over looked.